Turning to a higher power could prove beneficial to your health, according to a recent Norwegian study. The study tracked residents of Nord-Trondelag County, many of whom belong to the Norwegian state church.

“We found that the more often participants went to church, the lower their blood pressure, even when we controlled for a number of other possible explanatory factors,” reports Torgeir Sorensen, one of the researchers.

Conflicting evidence

But another study conducted by Loyola University Health System delivered a different outcome. Instead of focusing on church attendance, it looked at whether study participants carried religion to other parts of their lives.

The Loyola research, involving 200 residents of Maywood, Ill., discovered that among participants who considered themselves religious, 35 percent reported having high blood pressure. By contrast, of those who didn’t carry religion to other parts of their lives, 19.6 percent suffered high blood pressure.

The power of meditation

While there’s differing opinion about whether practicing one’s faith can reduce hypertension, there’s growing evidence to suggest that meditation can.

A 2009 study conducted at American University in Washington tracked 298 students, half of whom practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes once or twice a day and half of whom did not. A subgroup in the meditation group was at risk for hypertension. That particular group experienced a decrease in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6.3 mmHG and 4 mmHG, respectively).

Even the group not at risk for hypertension benefitted from meditation. They reported a reduction of psychological distress, depression and anxiety, and improved coping skills.

Consider yoga

If focusing on an object or chanting a mantra isn’t you, consider yoga. The Internet is full of articles promoting the health benefits of yoga including its ability to help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. According to the Mayo Clinic, hatha yoga may be a good choice for beginners, because of its slower pace and easier movements. The core components of hatha yoga include poses designed to increase strength and flexibility, and breathing to help control your body and quiet your mind.

Before starting yoga, consult with a doctor especially if you suffer from balance problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy and artificial joints.

Whether you choose religion, meditation, yoga or something else, it’s also important to assess your overall lifestyle including diet, exercise and stress management.

I’m overweight, out of shape and suffer from hypertension. Some people use those excuses to avoid exercise. But a new study from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana debunks the notion that you must train like an athlete to reduce blood pressure.

The researchers studied more than 400 women ages 45 to 75 – all obese, sedentary and with higher-than-normal blood pressure. They assigned three groups to do low intensity exercise on a treadmill or bicycle. One group exercised about one hour a week; another group went 2.5 hours a week; and the third group worked out four hours each week. A fourth group did no exercise.

Researchers concluded even though the three groups that worked out did not lose weight, they did boost their overall cardiovascular fitness level. They also lowered their exercise blood pressure by 11 to 14 points during the low intensity workouts.

Getting started

Anyone with a chronic condition should consult with a doctor before starting an exercise program. Among the questions to ask :

• How much exercise should I do each day and each week?
• What type of exercise should I do?
• Are there activities I should avoid?
• Will exercise change the time I take my medications?
• How long should I wait after eating before exercising?

Pace yourself

If your doctor agrees that you could benefit from exercise, start slowly. Find an exercise that your body can do and commit to doing it everyday – it could be as simple as moving your arms. Gradually add movements that you can do with minimal discomfort. Set realistic goals and if you don’t meet those goals, figure out what got in the way.

Your don’t have to go to the gym

“A lot of people think of exercise as this big thing that will take up a lot of their time,” said Damon L. Swift, Pennington Biomedical lead researcher. He encourages overweight individuals with high blood pressure to consider simple forms of exercise: walking around their neighborhood, climbing stairs at home, or doing chores such as raking leaves and working in the garden.

Know your numbers

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intense physical activity (such as brisk walking) each week. As you exercise, keep track of your resting heart rate and your target training heart rate.

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute while at rest. The average resting heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute.

To determine your target training heart rate, count your heartbeats while exercising for 10 seconds and multiply by six. Your target training heart rate should not exceed your maximum heart rate, which is 220 minus your age.

Remember, you’re not training for a marathon. It doesn’t take a lot of exercise to see potential benefits. As a leading sports apparel company says, Just do it!

Polyphenolics President Anil Shrikhande sat down with Nutraceuticals World reporter Sheldon Baker to discuss the significance of the clinical trials conducted at U.C. Davis using MegaNatural-BP. Shrikhande, a 30-year research and development veteran, and an inventor who holds eight patents, is the driving force behind the development of the brand.

“The importance of this original research, conducted by world leaders in this area, is that it allows us to differentiate our grape seed extract from other commodity brands because ours is potentially the only grape seed extract that has the unique ability to reduce blood pressure,” says Shrikhande.

In the He further explains the company’s commitment to sustainability: “As a division of Constellation Brands, Polyphenolics has access to an abundant supply of quality U.S.-grown grapes. We maintain total control over the entire manufacturing process, from raw material procurement to final extraction. This synergistic business model also results in all parts of the grape being utilized: the juice is used to make wine, the unfermented grape seeds are used to manufacture MegaNatural-BP, and the grape skin and pulp provide the raw materials for producing our grape pomace extract.”

In the accompanying article on Nutraceuticals World’s website, Shrikhande also candidly discusses his company’s commitment to its customers. “As a president I am always ready to communicate with customers usually by providing key information that they can use for their competitive advantage. Customer satisfaction in all aspects of our business. At Polyphenolics we provide exceptional technical support, meet shipping deadlines and consistently provide product and service quality.” Polyphenolics just received its fourth patent for MegaNatural-BP, a brand of grape seed extract shown in clinical studies to help lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. MegaNatural- BP is unique in its structure and composition, and has greater bioavailability and absorption compared to other grape seed extracts.

Website link:

http://nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_health-e-insights/2010-05-28/an-interview-with-anil-shrikhande/

By now, most of us have heard that a diet rich in antioxidants helps to boost our immune health and may prevent everything from cancer to heart disease. There is mounting evidence that antioxidants – found in fruits and vegetables – also play a key role in reducing stroke risk.

The latest study comes from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute. Researchers discovered that women who consumed more fruits and vegetables had the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Women with higher TAC ratings also had a lower risk of stroke – even those who had previously suffered cardiovascular disease.

How antioxidants help with hypertension

Every day free radicals bombard our body. They come from natural sources such as sunshine and are a natural bi-product of our metabolism. They also come from man-made sources such as car exhaust and processed foods. Left unchecked, they can cause, among other things, plaque in our arteries. That build-up may force our hearts to pump harder, leading to chronic high blood pressure.

Most of us get exposed to more free radicals than our bodies can manage. That’s why there’s so much attention focused on adding more fruits and vegetables to our diet. Not only do antioxidants combat free radicals, but research at UC Davis, has indicated that antioxidants contained in the premium grape seed extract MegaNatural-BP may help to restore elasticity to arterial walls.

How much is enough

The American Heart Association encourages adults to eat 4.5 cups or nine servings of fruits and/or vegetables a day. Antioxidant-rich foods include artichokes, beans, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cinnamon, grapefruit, hazelnuts, kiwi, oranges, pecans, potatoes and raspberries.

Some people avoid fruits and vegetables because of gas, bloating, diarrhea and other discomforts. To prevent such digestive problems add fruits and vegetables to your diet slowly; choose a variety of fruits and vegetables; chew food thoroughly; and take smaller bites – this ensures that large chunks of food do not reach your intestines undigested.

If you can’t always eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, consider adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Premium grape seed extract: give yourself an edge

Grape seed extracts are popular alternatives among people concerned with their cardiovascular health. While there are many commodity brands on the shelf at all price points, it pays to be selective. MegaNatural-BP is easier for your body to absorb than other grape seed extracts. It carries four different patents, ensuring that this science-backed brand is unique from anything else on the market.

When you’re on the run and can’t make smart nutrition choices, it’s reassuring to know that you can still help your heart and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Registered dietitian and exercise physiologist Dr. Felicia Stoler explained to a KENS TV audience that grape seed extracts help to naturally lower blood pressure. If you can’t (or don’t want to) eat a lot of grape seeds, you can get this benefit with MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract, which is potentially the only grape seed extract that has the unique ability to reduce blood pressure, and is also easier for your body to absorb than other grape seed extracts.

Dr. Felicia Stoler , former host of TLC’s Honey We’re Killing the Kids and author of Living Skinny in Fat Genes, stopped by KWGN studios in Colorado to talk about heart health. She loves the health benefits of grape seeds but admits that even she won’t eat enough of them to make a difference! So she recommends MegaNatural-BP Grape Seed Extract, which is potentially the only grape seed extract that has the unique ability to reduce blood pressure. Studies at UC Davis also show that MegaNatural-BP helps to improve blood vessel flexibility. This brand is also preferred because it is easier for your body to absorb than other grape seed extracts.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued Patent No.8,075,929 to Constellation Brands, Inc., in connection with its Polyphenolics division, for its MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract. This fourth U.S. patent, issued in December 2011, covers the process with which this structurally unique ingredient is produced.

“This patent provides an additional marketing edge and competitive advantage to products developed with MegaNatural-BP, which has greater bioavailability and absorption compared to other grape seed extracts,” said Anil Shrikhande, Ph.D., president of Polyphenolics. “Two placebo-controlled human clinical trials conducted by researchers at the Department of Preventive Cardiology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, have found that MegaNatural-BP supports blood pressure within the normal range. No other grape seed extract can say the same, since MegaNatural-BP has a unique structure and composition.”

In 2010, MegaNatural-BP received the prestigious Frost & Sullivan North American Product Differentiation Excellence of the Year Award, “in recognition of Polyphenolics’ sharp focus on research and development, technological process innovation, and associations with major research organizations and universities resulting in a strikingly differentiated grape seed extract.” “The advantage to formulators is that they are using nationally recognized and intellectually protected brand,” said Shrikhande.

An extensive patent portfolio

The brand is protected by a portfolio of intellectual property. In addition to this most recent patent, Polyphenolics has been granted these U.S. patents for MegaNatural-BP:

• #7,767,235 (August 2010) for its unique ingredient with a lower weight molecular composition that is more easily absorbed by the body and migrates to endothelial for improved vasodilation effect. This unique structure provides 90-95 percent total polyphenols (biologically active constituents). The patent also covers the final ingredient, MegaNatural-BP, which may be formulated into dietary supplements including capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, gels, suspensions, creams, etc.
• #7,651,707 (January 2010) UC Davis patent on MegaNatural-BP exclusively licensed by Constellation Brands Inc. for its unique ability to lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive individuals and/or individuals with metabolic syndrome.
• #6,544,581 (April 2003) for MegaNatural’s unique water extraction, purification and enrichment of polyphenolic substances from whole grapes, grape seeds and grape pomace.

Clinically proven advantages

MegaNatural-BP has been shown through numerous original research and human clinical trials to support healthy blood pressure and to benefit those diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and/or the conditions that comprise Metabolic Syndrome.

“The importance of this original research, conducted by world leaders in this area, is that it allows us to differentiate our grape seed extract from other commodity brands because ours is potentially the only grape seed extract that has the unique ability to reduce blood pressure,” says Shrikhande.

One out of every three Americans will develop hypertension, or high blood pressure, even if they have no family history of the disease. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious complications including heart attacks, heart failure, kidney disease and strokes. MegaNatural-BP has been shown to help control blood pressure within the normal range by improving the flexibility of blood vessel walls. It has also been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and oxidized LDL in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat and elevated cholesterol levels.

Vertically integrated supply chain

Shrikhande adds that customers and retailers can feel confident about both the brand’s supply chain and its commitment to sustainability. “As a division of Constellation Brands, Polyphenolics has access to an abundant supply of quality U.S.-grown grapes. We maintain total control over the entire manufacturing process, from raw material procurement to final extraction. This synergistic business model also results in all parts of the grape being utilized: the juice is used to make wine, the unfermented grape seeds are used to manufacture MegaNatural-BP, and the grape skin and pulp provide the raw materials for producing our grape pomace extract.”

Each year more than one million people in the U.S. suffer a heart attack; almost half of them die. February is American Heart Month – a good time to reassess your own lifestyle.

Know your risk

The American Heart Association offers a free, easy to use, web-based tool to assess your risk of suffering a heart attack or dying from coronary heart disease in the next 10 years.

The online assessment takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Simply enter your sex, age, height, weight and blood pressure and you will receive a personal risk estimate that charts your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

The silent killer

One in three Americans suffers high blood pressure and may not even know it. While you can’t change risk factors such as sex, age and family history of high blood pressure – you can control four risk factors.

• Poor diet

Remember to keep track of how much sugar, carbohydrates, fat and salt you consume in a day’s time. If salt is a weakness, consider removing the salt shaker from your dinner table.

• Obesity

If you’ve noticed your weight creeping up as a result of football and holiday parties, reassess how much food you put on your plate. Manage portion size by using a smaller plate.

• Minimal physical activity

It’s easy to slack off on exercise during the winter – especially if you live in a cold weather climate. Think about how you can exercise inside – climb stairs, lift soup cans, even household chores such as vacuuming and dusting can get the heart pumping.

• Tobacco and alcohol use

You know the danger from smoking and/or heavy alcohol consumption. Challenge yourself to cut back on tobacco and liquor purchases and use the money saved for something special.

Don’t delay, start today

Eat the right foods, consider taking a dietary supplement, reduce alcohol and tobacco use, and exercise – all healthy behaviors that anyone can do. But act now. According to research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, individuals with normal blood pressure at age 55 had a 22 to 41 percent risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The risk of heart disease almost doubled for those who reached mid-life already suffering from high blood pressure.

The gift of life

It takes commitment to maintain a healthy diet and exercise. But remember, the best Valentine’s Day present you can give someone you love is your presence.

Pharmacist Sherry Torkos, co-author of Saving Women’s Hearts, told the TV show hosts on WJZ TV that some simple ways for women to improve their heart health include eating healthier foods and getting at least 7 hours of sleep. She added that MegaNatural-BP, a patented grape seed extract, has been shown by researchers at UC Davis to help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel flexibility. To get the consistent benefit of grapes, take one MegaNatural-BP daily. It is potentially the only grape seed extract that has the unique ability to reduce blood pressure.

Lifestyle expert JJ Virgin stopped by the KCAL studios to discuss ways in which women can help their mean have a healthier lifestyle. Among her tips are eating nuts in moderation, adding a couple tablespoons of olive oil to his food daily, and to make sure he’s taking patented MegaNatural-BP daily because research has shown that it helps to lower blood pressure. It works by improving the flexibility of blood vessel walls, and is easier for your body to absorb than other grape seed extracts.

It has also been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and oxidized LDL in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat and elevated cholesterol levels.